Sign up to receive free email alerts when patent applications with chosen keywords are publishedSIGN UP

Abstract:

Instrument cluster and pointing device for a car or other vehicle, the
pointing device being mounted rotatable about a rotation axis and having
a shaft element in the vicinity of the rotation axis, the pointing device
further comprising at least one of a light guide element or a mirror
element in the region of the shaft element and comprising one of an image
forming element or an aperture, wherein the one of the image forming
element or the aperture and the one of the light guide element or the
mirror element are able to be rotated about the rotational axis with the
shaft element, and wherein light incident to the shaft element is
directed from the one of the light guide element or the mirror element to
the image forming element or aperture and projecting to a visible
surface.

Claims:

1. Pointing device for an instrument cluster of a car or other vehicle,
wherein the pointing device is mounted rotatable about a rotation axis,
wherein the pointing device has a shaft element in the vicinity of the
rotation axis, wherein the pointing device further comprises at least one
of a light guide element or a mirror element in the region of the shaft
element, wherein the pointing device further comprises one of an image
forming element or an aperture, wherein the one of the image forming
element or the aperture and the one of the light guide element or the
mirror element are able to be rotated about the rotational axis with the
shaft element, and wherein light incident to the shaft element is
directed from the one of the light guide element or the mirror element to
the image forming element or aperture.

2. Pointing device according to claim 1, wherein the pointing device
further comprises a focusing element, wherein the focusing element is
able to be rotated about the rotational axis together with the shaft
element, and wherein incident light is directed from the one of the image
forming element or the aperture to the focusing element.

3. Pointing device according to claim 1, wherein the pointing device
further comprises one of a covering element or a shroud.

4. Pointing device according to claim 1, wherein light incident to the
shaft element is visible to a user of the instrument cluster only after
having passed one of the image forming element or aperture and reflecting
on the applique.

5. Pointing device according to claim 1, wherein the one of the light
guide element or the mirror element is integrally formed with the shaft
element.

6. Pointing device according to claim 1, wherein the one of the image
forming element or the aperture is integrally formed with the one of the
light guide element or the mirror element.

7. Pointing device according to claim 1, wherein the one of the image
forming element or the aperture and the one of the light guide element or
the mirror element are integrally formed with the shaft element.

8. Pointing device according to claim 2, wherein the focusing element is
integrally formed with the one of the image forming element or the
aperture.

9. Pointing device according to claim 2, wherein the focusing element and
the one of the image forming element or the aperture are integrally
formed with the one of the light guide element or the mirror element.

10. Instrument cluster of a car or other vehicle, wherein the instrument
cluster comprises a pointing device, wherein the pointing device is
mounted rotatable about a rotational axis, wherein the pointing device
has a shaft element in the vicinity of the rotation axis, wherein the
pointing device further comprises at least one of a light guide element
or a mirror element in the region of the shaft element, wherein the
pointing device further comprises one of an image forming element or an
aperture, wherein the one of the image forming element or the aperture
and the one of the light guide element or the mirror element is able to
be rotated about the rotational axis together with the shaft element, and
wherein light incident to the shaft element is directed from the one of
the light guide element or the mirror element to the image forming
element or aperture.

11. Instrument cluster according to claim 10, wherein the pointing device
further comprises a focusing element, wherein the focusing element is
able to be rotated about the rotational axis together with the shaft
element, and wherein incident light is directed from the one of the image
forming element or the aperture to the focusing element.

12. Instrument cluster according to claim 11, wherein light incident to
the shaft element is visible to a user of the instrument cluster only
through the one of the image forming element or the aperture.

Description:

BACKGROUND

[0001] The present disclosure relates generally to the field of display
apparatus, and particularly to instrument clusters for cars and other
vehicles. More specifically, this disclosure relates to the lighting of
pointers inside of an instrument cluster of a vehicle.

[0002] Instrument clusters for vehicles often include an instrument panel
that includes a pointer. The pointer is typically configured to point to
some value of a vehicle parameter or other parameter such as fuel level,
vehicle speed, preferred or preset vehicle speed, engine speed, engine
temperature, time, etc. In many cases, the pointer can be rotated about a
rotational axis and is in many cases connected to a stepper motor by
means of a rotating shaft. The pointer generally comprises an axial
portion extending substantially parallel to the rotational axis about
which the pointer can be rotated. The pointer generally further comprises
a radial portion extending substantially in a direction perpendicular to
the axial portion and perpendicular to the rotational axis.

[0003] It has become popular to light the pointer using light sources such
as LEDs (light emitting diodes). In general, LEDs might be arranged
around the outside of the shaft. As the pointer moves around the
rotational axis, the pointer would be lit by subsequent LEDs around the
shaft. Light from the LEDs would enter the pointer and make the pointer
appear as if it were glowing. According to other solutions, one or a
plurality of LEDs are located behind the center of the shaft such as to
directly inject light into the shaft.

[0004] With these current instrument cluster configurations, the pointer
usually comprises a light guide element such that the light emitted by
the LED or plurality of LEDs is guided by the light guide and directly
emitted towards a user such that there is only one appearance of the
pointer.

[0005] There remains a continuing need to provide a more cost effective
manufacture and assembly process of instrument cluster elements and to
provide for an enhanced visibility of the pointer and the position of the
pointer such that an enhanced clarity of the displayed information can be
achieved.

SUMMARY

[0006] The present invention overcomes the disadvantages of the prior art
by providing a design for a pointer or a pointer device for an instrument
cluster of a car or other vehicle, wherein the pointing device is mounted
rotatable about a rotation axis, wherein the pointing device has a shaft
element in the vicinity of the rotation axis, wherein the pointing device
further comprises at least one of a light guide element or a mirror
element in the region of the shaft element, wherein the pointing device
further comprises one of an image forming element or an aperture, wherein
the one of the image forming element or the aperture and the one of the
light guide element or the mirror element are able to be rotated about
the rotational axis with the shaft element, and wherein light incident to
the shaft element is directed from the one of the light guide element or
the mirror element to the image forming element or aperture.

[0007] With the pointing device according to the present invention, it is
possible to provide a further pointing effect of the pointing device by
the use of a projected image formed by the image forming element or the
aperture, the image being reflected by a region of the applique of the
instrument cluster towards the user of the pointing device.

[0008] The pointing device according to the present invention comprises
one of a light guide element or a mirror element in the region of the
shaft of the pointer device. The light guide element preferably emits (or
the mirror element reflects) light towards one of an image forming
element or an aperture. The light emitted by the light guide element or
reflected by the mirror element is projected (through the image forming
element or aperture) to a part of the display surface visible to the
driver of the vehicle or to the user of the instrument cluster. The
display surface is preferably a formed applique surface of the instrument
cluster according to the present invention.

[0009] It is particularly preferred according to the present invention
that light incident to the shaft element is visible to a user of the
instrument cluster only after having passed one of the image forming
element or the aperture and reflecting on the applique. It is
particularly preferred that the projection of light to a part of the
display surface is operational or visible to the driver of the vehicle or
to the user of the instrument cluster only in certain lighting
conditions, especially during night lighting conditions, i.e. reduced
ambient lighting from the exterior of the vehicle, especially in the form
of sunlight. Such reduced ambient lighting conditions are usually
relevant during night time but also within tunnels or underbridges.

[0010] Very preferably, the pointing device comprises one of a covering
element or a shroud. This serves to prevent light incident to the shaft
element from being reflected or otherwise ejected from the intended
optical path within the pointing device so that light incident to the
shaft element is prevented from being reflected in the direction to the
driver or the user of the pointing device.

[0011] According to a preferred embodiment of the present invention, the
pointing device further comprises a focusing element, wherein the
focusing element is able to be rotated about the rotational axis together
with the shaft element, and wherein incident light is directed from the
one of the image forming element or the aperture to the focusing element.

[0012] By means of the focusing element, especially a focusing lens, the
light emitted by the light guide element or reflected by the mirror
element is projected (through the image forming element or aperture) to a
part of the display surface visible to the driver of the vehicle or to
the user of the instrument cluster. The display surface is preferably a
formed applique surface of the instrument cluster according to the
present invention.

[0013] According to all embodiments of the present invention, it is
preferred that the one of the light guide element or the mirror element
is integrally formed with (or integrated in) the shaft element and/or
that the one of the image forming element or the aperture is integrally
formed with (or integrated in) the one of the light guide element or the
mirror element and/or that the one of the image forming element or the
aperture and the one of the light guide element or the mirror element are
integrally formed with (or integrated in) the shaft element and/or that
the focusing element is integrally formed with (or integrated in) the one
of the image forming element or the aperture and/or that the focusing
element and the one of the image forming element or the aperture are
integrally formed with (or integrated in) the one of the light guide
element or the mirror element.

[0014] Such integrally forming (or integrating) of different elements of
the pointing devices allows for a more simple construction of the
pointing device and a less cost intensive construction and assembly of
the pointing device.

[0015] Another object of the present invention relates to an instrument
cluster of a car or other vehicle, wherein the instrument cluster
comprises a pointing device, wherein the pointing device is mounted
rotatable about a rotational axis, wherein the pointing device has a
shaft element in the vicinity of the rotation axis, wherein the pointing
device further comprises at least one of a light guide element or a
mirror element in the region of the shaft element, wherein the pointing
device further comprises one of an image forming element or an aperture,
wherein the one of the image forming element or the aperture and the one
of the light guide element or the mirror element is able to be rotated
about the rotational axis together with the shaft element, and wherein
light incident to the shaft element is directed from the one of the light
guide element or the mirror element to the image forming element or
aperture.

[0016] With the instrument cluster according to the present invention, it
is possible to provide a further pointing effect of the pointing device
by the use of a projected image formed by the image forming element or
the aperture, the image being reflected by a region of the applique of
the instrument cluster towards the user of the pointing device.

[0017] It is preferred according to the present invention that the light
incident to the shaft element is visible to a user of the instrument
cluster only after having passed one of the image forming element or
aperture and reflecting on the applique.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0018]FIG. 1 is a perspective view of the interior of a vehicle having an
instrument cluster schematically shown.

[0019]FIG. 2 is a top view on a display surface of an instrument cluster
of a vehicle according to an exemplary embodiment.

[0020]FIG. 3 is a sectional view of the instrument cluster of a vehicle
according to the exemplary embodiment.

[0021]FIG. 4 is an exploded view of the pointer of the instrument cluster
according to the exemplary embodiment.

[0022]FIG. 5 shows two top views according to different lighting
conditions on a display surface of the instrument cluster of a vehicle
according to the exemplary embodiment.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0023] Referring generally to the figures and in particular to FIG. 1, a
vehicle interior is partly shown according to an exemplary embodiment.
The vehicle interior includes an instrument cluster 100 for providing
information regarding vehicle parameters such as fuel level, vehicle
speed, engine speed, engine temperature, etc. Preferably, the vehicle
interior usually also comprises a steering wheel (not shown) or another
steering device ergonomically located so as to allow for a fatigue-proof
usage by a driver or another user of the vehicle.

[0024] Referring to FIG. 2, a pointer system or pointer device 10 for an
instrument cluster 100 (or cluster) is shown together with a display
surface 20 of the instrument cluster 100. FIG. 2 shows a top view of the
instrument cluster 100. The pointer system 10 or pointing device 10
according to the present invention provides a projected light image 11.
The projected light image 11 of the pointer system is shown in FIG. 2 on
a left hand part of the instrument cluster 100 or cluster display surface
20. The display surface 20 is the surface which can be normally seen by
the driver or user of the instrument cluster 100. In FIG. 2, a display
graduation is schematically shown on the left hand side of the display
surface 20 in the vicinity of the projected light image 11. By means of
the projected light image 11 being in the vicinity of the graduation (or
other symbolic indication on the display surface), it is possible for the
driver to see the value of the vehicle parameter by means of the location
of the projected light image 11. The projected light image 11 can have
any form or shape, e.g. round, rectangular, triangular, elongated or the
like. In the example shown in FIG. 2, the projected light image 11 has a
triangular shape (or an arrow like shape) such as to point to a certain
part of the graduation in order to display the value of the vehicle
parameter.

[0025] In FIG. 3, a sectional view of the instrument cluster 100 according
to the exemplary embodiment is shown. The direction of view of FIG. 3 is
parallel to the plane of the main extension of the display surface 20,
i.e. substantially orthogonal to the direction of a rotational axis 12 of
the pointing device 10. The pointing device 10 comprises a shaft element
13. The shaft element 13 extends substantially along the axis of rotation
12 of the pointer 10 or pointing device 10.

[0026] Furthermore, the pointing device 10 comprises one of a light
guiding element 14 or a mirror element. The light guiding element 14 can
be provided such that a surface 14' serves as a mirror (where total
reflection occurs). Alternatively, a mirror element (not shown), e.g. a
metallized surface at the location of the surface 14', can be used in the
context of the present invention. The one of the light guiding element 14
or the mirror element serves to direct light emitted by an LED 110
(emitting light which is incident to the shaft element 13 of the pointing
device 10) towards one of an image forming element 15 or an aperture. The
image forming element 15 is preferably provided as an image aperture. The
image forming element 15 or image aperture moves together with the
pointing device 10, i.e. follows the rotational movement of the pointing
device, i.e. of the shaft element 13. Preferably, the pointing device 10
also comprises a focusing element 16. The focusing element 16 also moves
together with the pointing device 10, i.e. follows the rotational
movement of the pointing device, i.e. of the shaft element 13. From the
focusing element 16, the light is projected towards the display surface
20. According to all embodiments of the present invention, the focusing
element 16 is preferably provided as a focusing lens.

[0027] Preferably, the functions of the shaft element 13 and of the light
guiding element 14 are integrated in the same element, i.e. the shaft is
provided by a light guiding material and is preferably shaped such as to
be able to guide the incident light (received from the LED 110 or from a
plurality of LEDs (axially) behind the shaft element 13 of the pointing
device 10) in a direction towards the image forming element 15.

[0028] According to an alternative embodiment of the present invention,
the one of the image forming element 15 or the aperture can also be
integrated in the shaft element 13 of the pointing device 10 and/or in
the one of the light guiding element 14 or mirror element.

[0029] According to a further alternative embodiment of the present
invention, the focusing element 16 can also be integrated in the shaft
element 13 of the pointing device 10 and/or in the one of the light
guiding element 14 or mirror element.

[0030] According to still a further alternative embodiment of the present
invention, the focusing element 16 can also be integrated together with
the one of the image forming element 15 or the image aperture. This
integration can be provided such that the integrated focusing element and
image forming element are provided (radially) spaced from the shaft
element 13 or integrated in the shaft element 13 or near the shaft
element 13 of the pointing device 10.

[0031]FIG. 4 shows an exploded view of an exemplary embodiment of the
pointing device 10 of the instrument cluster 100 according to the present
invention. In this embodiment, the pointing device 10 comprises, besides
the shaft element 13 or pointer stem, a carrier 18 and a top shroud 19.
The carrier 18 and the top shroud 19 extend substantially along the
radial direction of the pointing device 10. Between the carrier 18 and
the top shroud 19, the image forming element 15 or image aperture as well
as the focusing element 16 or focusing lens are located. Both the carrier
18 and top shroud 19 (or cover element) serve to mechanically secure the
focusing element 16 and the image forming element 15 with respect to the
pointer shaft or shaft element 13 during the rotational movement of the
pointing device 10 about the rotational axis 12, i.e. between different
rotational positions of the pointing device 10 according to the present
invention.

[0032] Preferably, the top shroud 19 is not backlit. This means that the
top shroud 19 is only visible during daylight lighting conditions inside
the vehicle and that the driver or user of the pointing device 10 does
not or at least not precisely see the position of the pointer during
nighttime lighting conditions, except by means of the projected image 11
visible on the display surface 20.

[0033]FIG. 5 shows two top views according to different lighting
conditions on a display surface 20 of the instrument cluster 100
according to the exemplary embodiment of the present invention. The
appearance of the instrument cluster 100 with the pointing device 10
according to the present invention which corresponds to daytime lighting
conditions, i.e. illuminated lighting conditions, is shown on the left
hand side of FIG. 5. The appearance of the instrument cluster 100 with
the pointing device 10 according to the present invention which
corresponds to nighttime lighting conditions, i.e. non-illuminated
lighting conditions, is shown on the right hand side of FIG. 5. From the
nighttime appearance of the instrument cluster (right hand side of FIG.
5), it can be seen that the pointing device 10 is not visible or at least
not very well visible or at least not actively backlit with regard to the
pointer stem or pointer shaft (shaft element 13) as well as with regard
to the radial part of the pointing device 10 (i.e. the part of the
pointer which extends along a substantially radial direction with respect
to the rotational axis 12). However, from the nighttime appearance, it is
visible that the image 11 (or projected image 11) of the image forming
element 15 is projected on the display surface 20 such that the position
of the pointing device 10 can easily be detected by a driver of the
vehicle or a user of the instrument cluster 100. During nighttime
appearance of the pointing device 10, there is preferably a backlit
graphics visible on the display surface 20. In order to realize such a
backlit graphics, preferably further light sources, like further LEDs,
are provided in the instrument cluster 100, especially behind at least a
part of the display surface 20. From the daytime appearance, it can be
seen from FIG. 5 (cf. left hand side of FIG. 5) that the pointer stem or
pointer shaft (shaft element 13) as well as the radial part of the
pointing device 10 (i.e. the part of the pointing device 10 which extends
along a substantially radial direction with respect to the rotational
axis 12) is very well detectable such that the position of the pointing
device 10 can easily be seen by the driver of the vehicle or the user of
the instrument cluster.

[0034] According to an alternative embodiment of the present invention,
the projected image can always be lit, i.e. in both modes of operation of
the instrument cluster, which means that the LED 110 emitting light
towards the shaft element 13 is illuminated both during daytime mode of
operation and during nighttime mode of operation.

[0035] According to another alternative embodiment of the present
invention, the projected image 11 can be lit only in the mode of
operation of the instrument cluster relating to the nighttime appearance
or during nighttime mode. In this alternative embodiment, it is possible
to save energy that would otherwise be needed to illuminate the LED.